Men’s D3 wrap: Swarthmore edges Eastern; Philly grads lead Scranton

The Swarthmore College men’s lacrosse team started off the 2012 campaign in style Saturday as sophomore Brendan Conway scored the go-ahead goal with 1:45 remaining to give the Garnet an 8-7 victory over visiting Eastern.

Chris Farrar led Eastern (0-1) with three goals, including two in the fourth quarter.

With the game tied 7-7 and under two minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Conway pressured Eastern defender Ben Swan deep in his own territory, forcing him to cough up the ball on a clear attempt. Conway scooped up the ground ball, darted for the front the net and managed to beat the goalie for proved to be the dramatic game-winner.

Conway also led the Garnet with a team-high five ground balls. Conway, Michael Girardi and Darrel Hunter (Strath Haven) all forced two turnovers apiece.

In goal for the Garnet, Michael Brockway made seven saves.

Scranton 11, Farmingdale State 5

Mike Rufo (Haverford School) and Taylor Nelson (Downingtown East)each scored three goals and Ben Worthington (Archbishop Wood) had eight saves to pace Scranton. John Gregitis (St. Joseph’s Prep) added three assists, three groundballs and four caused turnovers for the Royals.

Neumann 9, King’s 5

Mark Consolo (Spring-Ford) scored three goals and Ryan O’Kane (Ridley) added a pair to lead Neumann in its opener.

Cortland 9, Widener 5

Robert Clemens (Sun Valley) had a goal and an assist for the Pride in its opener. Charlie Bytheway (Garnet Valley) picked up six groundballs and caused four turnovers and Pride goalkeeper Bobby Schluter (Tatnall School) made 11 saves.
Gettysburg 9, Messiah 8

Bobby DeWees (Wilmington Friends) had a goal and an assist for the winning Bullets. Heath Kupecky (Upper Merion) had two goals and an assist for Messiah.